Darbepoetin alfa

Darbepoetin alfa is an active substance for the treatment of anemia and belongs to the group of epoetins. Darbepoetin alfa is a glycoprotein which is a derivative of erythropoietin (EPO). Darbepoetin has a longer effect due to the increased number of carbohydrate residues. It is produced biotechnologically and has 165 amino acids. Apart from 5 amino acids, it does not differ from erythropoietin. Darbepoetin is administered either intravenously (into the vein) or subcutaneously (under the skin) to form red blood cells (erythrocytes).

Darbepoetin alfa has the same effect as erythropoietin in that it interacts with the progenitor cells and thus stimulates blood formation (erythropoiesis). It binds to the erythropoietin receptors and subsequently activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in the cytosol. The activated signaling pathway then ensures the activation of certain genes that are responsible for cell formation and differentiation. The half-life of darbepoetin alfa, i.e. the time the body needs to excrete half of the active substance, is 21-49 hours.

Always take Darbepoetin alfa exactly as described in the package leaflet or as advised by your doctor.

The usual recommended dose is one injection (s.c.) every 1-4 weeks, depending on your condition and age.

The first dose is usually administered by a healthcare professional who will then teach you how to administer it. All further doses can normally be self-administered.

The following side effects may occur:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Allergic reactions
• Stroke
• Pain around the injection site
• Rash or reddening of the skin
• Blood clot formation (thrombosis)
• Seizures
• Bruising and bleeding at the injection site
• Blood clots in a dialysis access
• Erythroblastopenia
• Water retention (edema)
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Interactions may occur if the following medicines are taken at the same time:

• Ciclosporin
• tacrolimus

Darbepoetin alfa must NOT be taken in the following cases

• in case of allergy to darbepoetin alfa
• high blood pressure (hypertension)

Darbepoetin alfa is on the doping list and must therefore not be used in professional sport.

Darbepoetin alfa should NOT be taken under the age of 1 year.

Darbepoetin alfa should NOT be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding , as there are no studies on pregnancy or breastfeeding.